Multichannel time-correlated single photon counting: Spectroscopy and time-gated imaging using a resistive anode photomultiplier tube

A multichannel single photon counting detection system for steady state, time-resolved luminescence spectra, time-gated imaging, or time-gated Raman is described. This system, which has approximately 80 ps time resolution, is based on a microchannel plate photomultiplier with a position-sensitive anode (Mepsicron). This detector can operate at very low light levels with excitation wavelengths from 200 nm to the near infrared. For time-resolved luminescence applications, the system simultaneously collects 1024 decays of up to 1024 spectral channels. The measured time dispersion for spectral bandwidths greater than 100 nm are shown to be negligible.